The documentary “Inceste, un homme en colère” by Guy Padovani features Arnaud Gallais, a man who was sexually abused from a young age by his great-uncle and later by his cousins. Despite the trauma he experienced, Arnaud bravely shares his story on camera, showcasing both his suffering and determination to rebuild his self-esteem and engage in collective activism. The film highlights the importance of moving from individual healing to collective action in addressing issues of abuse and violence.
Arnaud Gallais grew up in a seemingly happy family in Paris, but behind closed doors, he faced the tyranny of an abusive father who targeted him for physical abuse. The presence of his missionary great-uncle in the household added to his vulnerability, as the priest took advantage of Arnaud’s bedwetting problem to sexually assault him at a young age. This culture of silence and acceptance within the family allowed the abuse to continue unchecked, contributing to Arnaud’s long struggle with trauma and memory loss.
After years of repressed memories, Arnaud finally realizes the extent of the abuse he suffered and embarks on a journey of healing and reconstruction. Despite the ruptures within his family, he manages to excel academically and start his own family with his partner Alexandra. The birth of their son inspires Arnaud to break the cycle of abuse and become the father he never had, propelling him towards activism and advocacy for victims of sexual violence.
The publication of Camille Kouchner’s book “La Familia grande” in 2021 thrusts Arnaud into the public eye, leading him to become a vocal advocate for victims of incest and sexual abuse. Despite some progress in raising awareness, including the work of the independent commission Ciivise, Arnaud’s anger remains as he confronts the continued failures in protecting children, such as the controversial “Roméo et Juliette” clause in the Billon law and the resistance of the Catholic Church to comply with legal measures.
For Arnaud Gallais, engaging in activism provides a sense of purpose and community, helping him navigate the deep pain and injustice he has experienced. He emphasizes the collective responsibility to push for change and demand justice for victims, recognizing that the fight against abuse is larger than any individual. The documentary captures Arnaud’s transformation from a survivor to a fierce advocate, shedding light on the ongoing battle to address and prevent incest and sexual violence against children.
